The ALRTA’s free industry guideline for workplace safety and animal welfare is now available
The final version of the Guide for Safe Design of Livestock Loading Ramps and Forcing Yards is now available free of charge from the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA).
The guide, which launched at the association’s national conference in July, sought public and industry feedback to address workplace safety and animal welfare deficiencies.
Organisations contributing to the new guidelines included the Cattle Council of Australia, Livestock Saleyards Association of Victoria, WorkCover NSW and RSPCA Australia.
“The purpose of the voluntary guide is to promote safer workplaces for people in contact with livestock loading facilities and to improve animal welfare outcomes,” ALRTA national president Grant Robins says.
“It summarises the potential hazards of livestock loading ramps and forcing yards and practical examples of ways to control associated risks for different types of facilities.
“General principles are identified as well as a series of model ramp designs, ranging from low-cost basic designs for farms to more advanced commercial designs.”
The guide will be reviewed by the ALRTA every two years in an effort to remain up-to-date with industry innovation, Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Victoria president John Beer says, as well as new legislation surrounding animal welfare.
“Loading ramps are the most dangerous area of livestock holding facilities,” he says.
“The level of unnecessary risk associated with crushing, lacerations and slips, trips and falls at some facilities is no longer acceptable.”
“‘We have produced this guide in close consultation with key stakeholders in the livestock supply chain including producers, transporters, feedlots, saleyards, exporters, equipment manufacturers, welfare groups and safety authorities.
“Improving safety around livestock facilities is a shared responsibility and judging by the level of interest in this guide from across the supply chain I know it will make a big difference,” he says.
An electronic copy of the guide is available here. For physical copies, the ALRTA advises an email be sent to office@alrta.org.au.